Learn, witness, celebrate

The mission of the Ohio Council of Churches is to make visible the unity of Christ’s church, provide a Christian voice on public issue, and engage in worship, education, and service.

Mission Statement

Ecumenical

“ek-you-men-i-kl”

OIKOUMENE - the whole Christian Church around the world

Active faith in Jesus Christ Cross as common symbol Authority and use of Bible Lord’s prayer Baptism as initiation into Christian life

Singing of Christian hymns Promise of eternal life

Commonalities

John 17: 20-21:“…that they may all be one. As you, Father,

are in me and I am in you…”

Psalm 133 “ …how good and pleasant it is when kindred

live together in unity.”

“Not an option”

18 denominations, 28 judicatories (regions)

Ohio Council of Churches

6,000 congregations, 3 million members Began in 1919 Office in Columbus www.ohcouncilchs.org

OCC

Governing Board Leadership

Otha Gilyard,President

Steve Salt,Treasurer

Raafat Zaki,Vice-President

Charles Tyler, Sr.,Secretary

Legislative testimony Annual Legislative Day

Public Policy

Issues: GamblingHeath care RedistrictingGun controlDeath penaltyEducation Funding

State Budget Ohio School Funding Health Care Gambling Death Penalty Immigration

Monthly Legislative Brief

Provide theological forums Co-sponsor educational events Resource

Faith & Order Commission

keynoters, worship, workshops2010 – Spiritual But Not Religious: Problem or

Opportunity?2011 – Faith and Race: New Opportunities2012 – The American Dream or God’s Dream?2013 – Being Church in a New World: Why?

How? Who? Me?2014 – Building an Inclusive Movement to

Resist Human Trafficking

Ohio Ministries Convocation

Develop policy statements – Older Adults, Capital Punishment, Racism…

Address environment concerns, climate change, education for children, immigration reform

Respond to disasters and crises

Justice & Advocacy Commission

Partnering with: Faith-based communities Ohio Interfaith Power & Light Ohio Alliance for People and Environment

Resource and network

Environmental Stewardship

Coalition of Ecumenical Staff Partnerships –

◦ Second Harvest Foodbanks◦ Have a Heart Ohio ◦ UHCAN (Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio) ◦ Consumer Voices for Health Care Coverage◦ Faithful Reform in Health Care

Building Relationships

Executives/Bishops

Related organizations Church Women United Church World Service Hunger Network in Ohio Ohio Campus Ministries Ohio State Chaplain’s Association

Other connections -

Fellowship Witness Address concerns (i.e. legislation, together) Network and connect with one another re:

models, resources (educational), community concerns

Way that we give visible unity to one faith Show our common life in Jesus Christ

Why be together?

“Try to understand others even as you hope to be understood.”

Golden rule of ecumenism

6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 430, Columbus, OH614/885-9590 www.ohcouncilchs.org

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